Their best known songs include "Summer In The City", "Do You Believe In Magic?", "Darling Be Home Soon", and "Daydream". The band reunited in 1991 and continue to perform without Sebastian, who has declined to participate, and Yanovsky, who died in 2002.
The band's name was inspired by lyrics from Mississippi John Hurt's "Coffee Blues" and drew influence from contemporary folk and psychedelic music while also inspiring later rock bands.
A more complete history of this seminal New York band can be found on their official site: lovinspoonful.com
Sportin' Life
The Lovin' Spoonful Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Believe I'll get married and I'll settle down
Because this old night life, this mean old sportin' life,
You know it's killin' me.
And I got a letter from my home
And most of my good friends, they are dead and gone.
And it makes me worry, no need to wonder
And Mother used to fall on her knees and pray
And these are the very words she did say.
She said, "Oh Johnny, my lovin' Johnny,
Won't you please change your ways?"
I've been a gambler and a cheater, too.
But now it's come my, my time to lose.
Because this old night life is holdin' the best hand
And what can I do?
And I'm gettin' tired of runnin' round
Believe I'll get married and I'll settle down
Because this old night life, ooh it's a bad life,
And it's killin' me.
The Lovin' Spoonful's "Sportin' Life" is a song about a man who is tired of living the fast life and wants to settle down. He has received news that most of his good friends have died, causing him to worry about the future. Throughout the song, he reflects on his past actions as a gambler and cheater and realizes that it's time for him to change his ways. He remembers his mother's words, pleading with him to change his lifestyle. In the end, he decides to get married and leave the "old night life" behind.
The lyrics of "Sportin' Life" capture the struggle of many young people in the 1960s who were drawn to the excitement of the city but also longed for a simpler life. The themes of regret, loss, and redemption resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. The song's gentle melody and smooth vocals create a sense of nostalgia, making it an enduring part of the folk-rock canon.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gettin' tired of runnin' round
I am becoming exhausted from constantly moving around without direction or purpose.
Believe I'll get married and I'll settle down
I am considering settling down with a partner in a committed relationship.
Because this old night life, this mean old sportin' life, You know it's killin' me.
The nightlife and gambling culture that I have been a part of is negatively impacting my mental and physical health.
And I got a letter from my home
I received a message from my family and/or hometown.
And most of my good friends, they are dead and gone.
Many of the people I care about have passed away, leaving me feeling lonely and disconnected.
And it makes me worry, no need to wonder About the times to come.
This news causes me to feel anxious about the future.
And Mother used to fall on her knees and pray And these are the very words she did say.
My mother would kneel and pray, and she said the following words to me.
She said, "Oh Johnny, my lovin' Johnny, Won't you please change your ways?"
My mother pleaded with me to reform my behavior for the better.
I've been a gambler and a cheater, too.
I have engaged in both gambling and deceitful behavior.
But now it's come my, my time to lose.
I am experiencing the negative consequences of my actions.
Because this old night life is holdin' the best hand And what can I do?
The nightlife scene and gambling culture have the upper hand, and I feel powerless to change my circumstances.
And I'm gettin' tired of runnin' round Believe I'll get married and I'll settle down
Once again, I am expressing my desire to find stability and start a family.
Because this old night life, ooh it's a bad life, And it's killin' me.
Once again, I am acknowledging the negative impact that the nightlife and gambling culture is having on my well-being.
Contributed by Jayce C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Rorick Sellers
on 4 Eyes
4 Eyes: After "Mister up in middle classes" is the line: LET YOUR BABY CHOOSE HIS GLASSES ... [for some reason, this line in all caps is omitted ON EVERY WEBSITE that has the lyrics to this song. Weird.]